Seychelles succumbed to a narrow 1-0 loss at home to ‘Les Hirondelles of Burundi in their FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 First Round first leg clash on Wednesday in Victoria.

The injury stricken Seychelles side was off the pace as early as the first period as the Burundians started on the right foot, stretching the host defence on numerous occasions.

The visitors were close to breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute through captain Ndikumana Selemani, who plies his trade with Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto with a teasing cross to Papy Faty who could not direct a free header on target.

Ahcene Ait Abdelmalek’s charges broke the deadlock seven minutes later from a brilliant run by Selemani, with a cross which met the head of Faty forcing a good block by the Seychelles custodian and captain Vincent Euphrasie.

However, Abdoul Fiston, who sealed a move to former South African big spenders Mamelodi Sundowns four months ago, was on hand and pounced on the loose ball, tucking home for the goal that would separate the two sides at the end.

The Islanders, missing six regulars struggled to find their rhythm and almost leveled on 22 minutes courtesy Gervais Waye-Hive’s curling freekick, which forced a top drawer save from Burundi goalkeeper Arthur Arakaza Mac.

The homers improved in the second half whilst the Burundians went in search of a ‘killer’ goal but both Faty and Selemani were guilty of spurning chances.

Seychelles should have neutralized the scores on 77 minutes following a good inter-positional play involving Carl Hall and substitute Renick Esther as the former threaded a pass which sent him galloping on goal.

Esther’s initial shot was charged down but he got a second bite of the cherry but amazingly hit the post as the Burundians rode their luck in a match where they had just shaved it in terms of possession whilst Seychelles failed to reach the height of their last outing against Ethiopia few barely a month.

Seychelles team will now travel to Burundi for their return leg next Tuesday 13 October 2015, with the winner of the tie due to face Congo at the Second Round.

Reactions: Seychelles 0-1 Burundi

Ralph Jean-Louis (Head Coach, Seychelles)

Our players looked a bit tired with our congested fixture. We started slowly as we did not know our opponent. I can say that the result is acceptable but I am convinced we can do much better. Today, we were combative and showed character but not coherent due to the many adjustments we had to make. However I feel our chances of getting past the first round is still possible.

Vincent Euphrasie (Captain, Seychelles)

We struggled somehow as we had only a couple of days to prepare and the number of injuries did not help our cause. I’m disappointed we did not score as we had a good chance. Overall, it was not a bad performance for us in difficult circumstances.

Source: CAF Online

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com